can we use "if" with "do"....i am learning english and "do" causing me alot of problems........
2007-07-27 08:27:15 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
It is called verb affirmation. One of the properties of verbs in English is that they cannot be negative by themselves. They require an auxiliary verb.
'I like the weather' vs. 'I do not like the weather'
If and when the auxiliary verb is present but "unnecessary" it is actually performing the opposite function of the negation, that is to affirm or emphasize the action.
'I do like the weather'
The main point of the sentence is not your opinion on the weather but rather that you actually have one.
In your example 'if you do come back' the action of coming back is cast in dubious light because it is a conditional.
In 'if you come back' is just a clause that sets the condition for something else to happen.
It is easier to see with a complete sentence:
'If you run, you'll win'
There is certainty that if A (run) happens B (win) will happen.
'If you do run, you'll win'
Now A (run) is uncertain, and B (win) becomes a distant possibility.
And without conditionals
'When you run you win'
When A then B
'When you do run you win'
B again is not important because the point being discussed is weather you A (run) or not.
2007-07-27 08:33:09 · answer #1 · answered by ΛLΞX Q 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
The use of do shows doubt for the realisation of the action. In this case do stresses the sense and is equivalent to "really". The other phrasing is neutral showing no opinion of the speaker as to the result of the action.
2007-07-28 09:04:45 · answer #2 · answered by anton p 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both are acceptable; it means the same thing. Saying "if you do come back" can give it a different shade of meaning: if you place the emphasis on "do" ("If you DO come back") gives the impression that you don't think they really are going to come back. "Do" is a neat little word that can do lots of things.... Don't stress out too much about it; just read and listen and you will get the hang of it. Good luck!
2007-07-27 15:33:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's just there is an emphasis on the 'do' as if you are asking a question, perhaps the other is a statement. There is not a lot of difference you could use either. You could say the same...If you do want to..or if you want to. It's really a matter of choice.
2007-07-27 15:32:47 · answer #4 · answered by Dr Paul D 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They're very similar and yes, you can use "if" with "do"
I would say the only difference with "If you do come back" is that you are expecting that the person you are speaking to will not come back. You would stress the "do":
"If you DO come back (even though I think you won't) .... blah blah blah"
The other one is just a statement, with no connotations.
Hope this helps. Or at least makes sense. :D
2007-07-27 15:30:51 · answer #5 · answered by tenpen 3 · 6⤊ 1⤋
i agree with 'tenpen7'
id also like to say that do is often optional. it usualy just emphasizes that the if statement is a conditional and if it is not fullfilled, the rest of the statement really is not possible to finish
2007-07-27 15:33:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
for a start you put the ? after the wrong statement. the first is a question.
2007-07-27 15:42:06 · answer #7 · answered by steve h 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Not much difference.
You can use the sentence with or without the "do".
2007-07-27 15:33:56 · answer #8 · answered by lkjgfyfukh 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
if you do come back "
Might be used when one has indicated that they might come back.
Emphasis is on "do".
"if you come back"
Emphasis here is on "if".
"If" you come back, (then)................
2007-07-27 15:34:01 · answer #9 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋